Water-resistant devices incorporating a switch assembly
An electric-powered device includes (1) a skin-contactable surface and (2) a body having a water-resistant switch assembly. Preferably, the electric-powered device is useful in skin treatment and delivers mechanical forces on the skin. The switch assembly preferably includes, a substantially planar mount having an aperture, a rotatable shaft extending through the aperture, and a seal lining the aperture to restrict water movement along the shaft. In another aspect a water-resistant switch assembly includes first translatable element adapted for substantially planar motion in a first plane; a rotatable shaft, engageable with said first translatable element; a second translatable element adapted for substantially planar motion in a second plane, wherein said second translatable element is engageable with said rotatable shaft; a substantially planar mount having a through-hole and defining a third plane, wherein said rotatable shaft pierces said through hole and said third plane, wherein said third plane is substantially between said second plane and said third plane; and a seal surrounding said through-hole for rendering said through hole water-resistant.
The skin is the largest organ of the body and requires frequent care to remove dirt and debris. In addition, it is desirable for many individuals to provide other benefits to their skin, to prevent and/or treat various skin conditions. Examples of such skin conditions include signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, age spots; acne; among other skin conditions.
Numerous techniques have been proposed to provide cleansing, cosmetic and/or therapeutic benefits to the skin. One technique is to employ a device, such as a portable device that can be used “at home” to effect changes in skin health and appearance. Accordingly, devices such as cleansing and microdermabrasion systems that combine a motorized apparatus and a skin-contacting surface are available. Users of such devices may apply water to the skin-contacting surface of the device to enhance overall performance.
Devices such as at home skin treatment devices, while safe and efficacious, are however susceptible to the infiltration of water into the device, e.g., particularly when water is applied to the skin-contacting surface. Applicants have recognized that water may inadvertently penetrate the device through the switch assembly, resulting in premature failure of the device. One solution for waterproofing the switch assembly is to overwrap the switch assembly in a rubber housing. Unfortunately, this approach is costly and adds manufacturing challenges. Accordingly, a need exists for a water-resistant switch assembly that is simple, easy to manufacture, and effective.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn one aspect of the invention, embodiments of the invention relate to an electric-powered device that includes (1) a skin-contactable surface and (2) a body having a water-resistant switch assembly. Preferably, the electric-powered device is useful in skin treatment and delivers mechanical forces on the skin. The switch assembly preferably includes, a substantially planar mount having an aperture, a rotatable shaft extending through the aperture, and a seal lining the aperture to restrict water movement along the shaft.
In another aspect, embodiments of the invention relates to a switch assembly. The switch assembly includes first translatable element adapted for substantially planar motion in a first plane; a rotatable shaft, engageable with said first translatable element; a second translatable element adapted for substantially planar motion in a second plane, wherein said second translatable element is engageable with said rotatable shaft; a substantially planar mount having a through-hole and defining a third plane, wherein said rotatable shaft pierces said through hole and said third plane, wherein said third plane is substantially between said second plane and said third plane; and a seal surrounding said through-hole for rendering said through hole water-resistant.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSA more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above may be had by reference to the embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be so noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the invention and, therefore, are not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
To facilitate understanding identical reference elements have been used, wherever possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONIt is believed that one skilled in the art can, based upon the description herein, utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. The following specific embodiments are to be construed as merely illustrative, and not limitative of the remainder of the disclosure in any way whatsoever.
The present invention is directed to a switch that is useful for reducing infiltration of water into a device. In various embodiments of the invention, such switches and devices provide waterproofing, ease of manufacture, relatively low production costs, and reduced space requirements.
In operation, an operator grasps the body 3 and empowers a battery-powered motor (not shown in
In one notable embodiment, the device 1 is a microdermabrasion device, useful for abrading the skin and providing rejuvenation benefits thereto. In this embodiment of the invention, the surface 7 may be water-absorbing, and, as such, may include a compressible and/or porous material such as a sponge or a fibrous non-woven material. In another notable embodiment, the device 1 is a massaging device, useful to provide an active component to the skin. In this embodiment of the invention, the surface 7 may be water-absorbing, and, as such, may include a compressible and/or porous material such as a sponge or a fibrous non-woven material.
As illustrated in
Upon actuation by an operator, the first translatable element 31 moves from a first position to a second position (in the directions of the arrows shown in
As shown in the sectional view of
In one embodiment of the invention, the switch assembly includes a mount 43 that may be substantially planar. Mount 43 includes an upper surface 45 and a lower surface 47 and flanges 49 for spacing the first translatable element 31 apart from the upper surface 45, and to allow for ease of translation of the first translatable element 31. The mount may also provide mechanical support to the stationary plate 32 described above with reference to
The mount 43 includes a through-hole 51 that is defined by a cylindrical wall 53. The through-hole 51 has a vestibule 61 and a terminus 63. The rotatable shaft 39 is positioned within the through-hole 51, e.g., piercing the through hole 51, and filling the space thereof. A first seal 55 is positioned to resist the movement of water from an exterior space 57 (generally defined as space beyond the vestibule 61 of the through-hole 51, through which water from outside the device may be inclined to enter the through-hole 51) to an interior space 59 (generally defined as space beyond the terminus 63 of the through-hole 51, through which water may be inclined to leave the through-hole 51, pass into the interior space 59, and adversely effect components within the device).
The first seal 55 may be of varying configurations known to those skilled in the art. In one exemplary embodiment shown in
As shown in
Referring again to
Embodiments of the present invention are advantageous in the switch assembly is easy to manufacture, inexpensive, and provides waterproofing without occupying a large amount of valuable interior space within the device 1. Furthermore, in certain embodiments of the present invention, inventive devices permit a user to contact her skin with a pleasant surface that can be run under water, provide mechanical action to the skin, and still maintain water-resistance.
From the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention, and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof can make various changes and modifications. Embodiments set forth by way of illustration are not intended as limitations of the variations possible in practicing the present invention.
Claims
1. An electric-powered skin treatment device comprising:
- a) a housing formed of at least two rigid elements joined along a gasketed seam and comprising an elongate handle portion
- b) a water-resistant switch assembly and
- c) a head region coupled to the housing and having disposed thereon at least one surface useful for skin treatment, the surface arranged and configured to deliver relative motion to the skin.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the water-resistant switch assembly comprises a substantially planar mount formed in one of the at least two rigid elements of the housing, and the substantially planar mount has an aperture, a rotatable shaft extending through the aperture, and a seal lining the aperture to restrict water movement along the shaft and into an interior of the housing.
3. A switch assembly, comprising:
- a) a first translatable element adapted for substantially planar motion in a first plane;
- b) a rotatable shaft, engageable with said first translatable element;
- c) a second translatable element adapted for substantially planar motion in a second plane, wherein said second translatable element is engageable with said rotatable shaft;
- d) a substantially planar mount having a through-hole and defining a third plane, wherein said rotatable shaft pierces said through hole and said third plane, wherein said third plane is substantially between said second plane and said third plane; and
- e) a seal surrounding said through-hole for rendering said through hole water-resistant.
4. A switch assembly of claim 3, wherein said first translatable element is capable of being actuated by an operator from a first position to a second position, wherein said actuation is substantially within said first plane.
5. A switch assembly of claim 4, wherein said actuation by said operator of said first translatable element from said first position to said second position effects a corresponding rotation of said shaft about an axis oriented along a direction nonparallel to said first plane.
6. A switch assembly of claim 5, wherein said actuation by said operator and said corresponding rotation of said rotatable element about said axis effects a corresponding second actuation of said second translatable element.
7. A switch assembly of claim 3, wherein said first plane and said second plane are substantially parallel.
8. A switch assembly of claim 3, wherein said seal is positioned to resist the movement of water from said first translatable element towards said second translatable element.
9. A switch assembly of claim 3, wherein said seal is formed from an elastomeric material.
10. A switch assembly of claim 3, wherein one or more of said first translatable element and said second translatable element comprise a toothed bar.
11. A switch assembly of claim 3, wherein said rotatable shaft is enageable to one or more of said first translatable element and said second translatable element via a gear joined to said rotatable shaft.
12. A switch assembly of claim 3, wherein said second translatable element includes an electrical conductor and said corresponding second actuation of said second translatable element effects a change in electrical potential of said electrical conductor.
13. An electromechanical device, comprising a switch assembly of claim 3.
14. An electromechanical device of claim 13, further comprising a skin-contactable surface.
15. An electromechanical device of claim 13, wherein the skin-contactable surface includes a porous material.
16. A water-resistant device, comprising:
- a) a skin-contactable surface comprising a water-absorbing material; and
- b) a body having a switch assembly, comprising: i) a rotatable shaft; ii) a substantially planar mount having a through-hole, wherein said rotatable shaft pierces said through hole; and iii) a seal surrounding said through-hole for rendering said through hole water-resistant.
17. A water-resistant device of claim 16, wherein said skin-contactable surface is compressible.
18. A water-resistant device of claim 16, wherein said skin-contactable surface comprises a sponge or a fibrous material.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 23, 2005
Publication Date: May 24, 2007
Patent Grant number: 7918862
Inventors: Raymond Hull (Hampton, NJ), Shu Lau (Tai Po)
Application Number: 11/287,560
International Classification: H01H 21/00 (20060101);